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6705 Pine Forest Rd - Suite 300
Pensacola, FL  32526
Fax : 850-807-5071

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Boat Insurance

What does Boat Insurance cover?

Most boat policies cover physical damage to the hull, sails, machinery, furnishings, and most other equipment that is normally used on board. Most dangers are covered including vandalism, malicious mischief, and damage which results from collision or sinking.

Insurance needs differ depending on the type, age, or value of the boat or watercraft you own. Your policy will explain in detail what is covered and what is specifically excluded.

What about Liability Coverage for your boat policy?

You are also insured against liability losses. You are covered for damage you may cause to another boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or dock, and for bodily injury or death to another person while operating your vessle.

Under most boat policies, the boat trailer is covered against physical loss or damage from any external cause.

What additional coverage is included on a boat policy?

You may purchase optional coverages, such as:

• Coverage for your personal property
• Coverage for your fishing equipment
• Coverage against injury to you caused by an uninsured boater

What types of boats can we help you insure?

• Bow Rider - Open bow type of boat with seating. They are best suited for use in lakes and inland waterways.
  
  
• Center Consoles - Single decked open hull boats with the operator's console (helm) in the center of the boat. Work great as fishing boats. Most are powered by outboard motors.
  
  
• Cuddy Cabin - A boat that contains a small cabin in the bow..
  
  
• Walk Around - Cross between center console and a cuddy boat. Generally used as fishing boats and they contain a small cabin.
  
  
• Ski Boats - Flat bottom, high torque boats designed to safely tow water skiers. Powered by high-horsepower engines.
  
  
• Pontoon - Relatively inexpensive, flat hulls that sit on pontoons. Commonly referred to as "party boats". Should only be used in calm inland waters.
  
  
• Jet Boats - Propelled by a jet of water ejected from the back of the craft. Come in a variety of sizes.
  
  
• Personal Watercraft (PWC) - A watercraft used for recreational purposes that you sit or stand on. Often referred to as WaveRunner, Jet Ski or Sea Doo which are actually brand names.
  
  
• Sailboats - A boat propelled partially or entirely by sails. Can be used for racing, sport or just cruising.
  
  
• Bass Boats - A small, flat bottom boat used primarily for bass fishing in inland waters. They are often equipped with swivel chairs for easy casting.
  
  
• Commercial Vessels and P&I
  
  
• Private Pleasure Craft from $50,000 to $200,000,000.
  
  
• Cargo Commercial Fishing
  
  
• Charter International Risks

Is my boat covered when it's not in the water?

It's covered if you have physical damage (comprehensive and collision) coverage.  Liability, Uninsured Motorist and Medical Payments coverages only respond when your boat is in the water.

If I am in an accident while towing my boat who pays for the
damages?

If your boat is damaged your boat policy will respond if you have physical damage (comprehensive and collision) coverage on your policy.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.Your local GreatFlorida Boat Insurance Agent in Florida will help you find the best deal for you.

Get a Quote Online

About Boat Insurance in West Pensacola, FL

A subtropical climate with almost 1,200 miles of coastline creates the ideal conditions for boat owners in West Pensacola, FL. GreatFlorida Boat Insurance will dissipate your worries so you can relax and have safe fun on the water.

Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL offers customized boat insurance policies to guard against unexpected damages, replacement and liability.  Whether you plan to fish, water ski or enjoy the sunset, we cover many different boats with optional coverage to reflect your lifestyle.

Boat Insurance will give you peace of mind while you are out on the water. GreatFlorida Insurance offers boat owners in West Pensacola a variety of protection from the risks of owning, operating and towing your boat.

GreatFlorida Boat Insurance provides coverage to jet skis, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, ski boats and more. GreatFlorida Insurance carries top notch marine insurance policies to protect your vessel. Contact Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance today and our they will get to work for you with a simple, free quote.

Whether you currently own a boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or are a prospective buyer, Donna Creel at GreatFlorida Insurance West Pensacola, FL can help you find the right Boat Insurance policy at the right price.

GreatFlorida Insurance shops all the major carriers in West Pensacola, to find the best policy and the best rate. Easy, Low-Cost and Worry Free. That's the GreatFlorida Insurance promise.

Simply call 850-378-2500 or complete our online quote request form.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

7/26/2017

Starting in August, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will begin issuing a new Florida driver’s license and ID card.

“As a matter of fact, the last update to the cards was 2003,” points out Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

Updates to the card will offer a new look and feel, along with increased security. The makeover is an effort to nearly double the protection against fraud. “The new credential provides Floridians the most secure over-the-counter card on the market today,” claims FLHSMV.

The new card also conforms to Homeland Security’s REAL ID Act. REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and Federal Government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents. This is turn, should inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification.

The new driver’s license and ID card are unique to Florida. The card front incorporates a pastel colored linear rendering of the Florida state seal and a large orange “FL” over a stark white base. On the back of the card, an image of the state of Florida rests among ocean waves and the year 1845 is displayed. This refers to the year Florida became the 27^th state in the Union.

Additional features include, photograph images that are printed with a transparent background and appear in four locations on the card. Differentiating head colors across the top will make it easy to determine what type of license each person owns. The blue font indicates a commercial driver’s license, a green font is a driver’s license, red font is an ID card and the orange font is across the learner’s license.

Plenty of new characteristics doubling as fraud protection measures include; redundant data, ultraviolet (UV) ink and optically variable data features. Also, the new design incorporates designations for lifetime sportsman, boater, freshwater, saltwater and hunting licenses as well as designations for veteran, organ donor, deaf/hard of hearing and developmentally disabled and more.

Those under 21 will find a red box on the front of their card that indicates the date they reach the legal drinking age.

For now, the new cards will be available at select service centers. The agency reports by the end of 2017, new credentials will be available at all service centers thought the state and online. Previous driver’s license and ID cards will still be in use alongside the new cards until it is replaced or phased out.

Floridians are only required to replace their current license of ID card if it is expired, or a name change or address change is needed. “Driving with an expired driver’s license can carry a fine, probation, suspended license and an increase of your insurance rates,” reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent auto insurance agency. So, make sure you do not let your driver’s license expire.

Contact GreatFlorida Insurance today for all your auto insurance needs.

 

The post Florida driver licenses get a new look appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

7/12/2017

Over the weekend, strangers formed an 80-person human chain in the waters of Panama City Beach. Their heroic efforts were to rescue 10 swimmers caught in rip currents and pulled away from shore. With everyone working together, all the swimmers were brought safely back to shore after an hour of struggling in the perilous water.

“Rip currents are the biggest dangers to swimmers at the beach,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

In their annual poll of lifeguard agencies, the U.S. Lifesaving Association (USLA), reported 4,345 people were rescued from rip currents at Florida Beaches in 2016. In fact, 80 percent of beach rescues are a result of rip currents.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), defines rip currents as powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. They move at speeds up to eight feet per second and can sweep even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves.

While the terms are often confused, rip currents are different than rip tides. A rip tide is a strong current associated with the swift movement of tidal water through inlets and bays. It is a predictable rise and fall of the water level.

Also, different are undertows. Undertows occur where waves break on the beach. A large uprush and backwash of water and sand are generated is and quickly pulled into the next breaking wave. Swimmers feel like they are being sucked underwater when the wave breaks over their head. In an undertow, people are tumbled around but the return flow only goes a short distance to the next breaking wave. You are not pulled out to sea or into deeper waters.

“Swimmers in a rip current often panic and try swimming back to shore becoming exhausted, subsequently putting themselves as risk for drowning,” reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

To ensure your safety, swim in an area where there is a lifeguard on duty. The USLA reports, the chances of drowning are 1 in 18 million when a lifeguard is on duty. Their additional rip current tips include:

Check the local beach forecast for current water conditions before heading out.

Once at the beach, look around for warning flags and signs before you get in the water.

If you find yourself in a rip current stay calm.

Strong swimmers you can try swimming parallel to the shore. If not, float it out or calmly tread water until out of the current, then swim to shore.

Do not fight the current!

Remember, many people drown trying to save someone else from a rip current.

GreatFlorida Insurance can provide you with peace of mind while out on the water. We offer comprehensive boat insurance for all types of vessels.

The post The biggest danger at the beach appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

5/24/2017

“Florida is one of the rare places you can enjoy boating the entire year,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

In conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, Gov. Rick Scott has issued this week, Safe Boating Week in Florida. Florida leads the nation with nearly 1 million registered vessels across the state, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission(FWC). Additionally, Memorial Day weekend will contribute to a higher number of boats on the water.

Whether you are cruising, fishing or swimming, implementing safe boating rules will guarantee long hours of fun while out on the water.

The FWC ‘s 2016 Boating Accident Statistical Reports indicates the leading cause attributed to boating accidents in 2016 was the operator’s inattention or lack of proper lookout. Falls overboard are the leading type of fatal accident since 2003. Drowning is the leading cause of death.

“There should be no stigma with wearing a life vest on a boat. It is just as important as wearing a seat belt in a car,” says Buck, with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

While life jackets prevent drowning, many people do not like to wear them because they are uncomfortable, too hot, get in the way of sun or hinder swimming. Maj. Rob Rowe, leader of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section, suggests wearing an inflatable model and you will hardly know you have one on.

Earlier this year a pair of University of Florida students competing in a fishing tournament were thrown from their boat while it was traveling at 57 miles per hour. The boat experienced a steering part failure. Thankfully both men were wearing life jackets and using a kill switch, which cuts the engine if the driver is thrown from the boat.

At safeboatingcampaign.com, you can read about different life jacket styles, how to find the proper fit and how to care for your life jacket.

For additional safety boating tips, the FWC recommends:

Wearing a life jacket

Using an engine cut-off switch lanyard

Designating a sober boat operator

Paying attention and keeping proper look out

Have an emergency locator beacon

Filing a float plan

Take a boating safety class

GreatFlorida Insurance insures all types of vessels from Jet Skis to commercial fishing boats. Give us a call for all your boat insurance needs.

The post Keep Boating Fun appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

3/8/2017

While Florida does not require you to get boat insurance before you register your vessel, boat insurance is a good idea. Boat insurance offers protection from the responsibility of owning, operating and towing your boat.

“Many homeowners, mistakenly assume a boat is covered under their homeowner’s insurance,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.“Depending on your homeowner’s policy, you might have limited coverage on a small vessel on your property.”

As a matter of fact, if your boat is financed, your lender may require you to have boat insurance. Also, certain marinas and harbors require insurance for you to dock your boat.

Much like car insurance, there are different options to choose from when it comes to buying boat insurance. Your insurance needs depend on the type of watercraft you own while selecting the option you feel most comfortable with.

Buck, with GreatFlorida Insurance explains the difference between liability, collision, comprehensive and medical coverage.

Liability Losses– this will cover bodily injury and property damage in an accident where you are at fault.

Comprehensive and Collision– Physical damage or comprehensive and collision will cover any out of water incidents. Collision covers damage to a boat involved in a collision. Comprehensive coverage protects your boat if it is stolen, damaged by a fire or vandalized.

Uninsured Coverage– this will cover costs for damage and injuries if you are involved in a collision with a boater that does not have boat insurance.

Medical Coverage– will cover costs related to injuries suffered in a boat accident. Check your health insurance first, it could provide the adequate coverage you need.

Additional coverage is also available for fishing equipment and other boat related personal property you want to insure.

Financial Website, Money Crashers recommends purchasing comprehensive coverage if you have a loan on your boat or you own a newer model.

When purchasing boat insurance, you must also choose how the insurance company will pay you in the event of a claim.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) encourages boat owners to insure their boat for the amount it would cost you to replace it which is the “Agreed Value.”

The “Actual Cash Value” coverage reimburses you the current market value for your boat or personal belongings. Because everything depreciates, you will usually get less than what you originally paid.

As a final point, boat repairs can be costly making boat insurance a great defense to protect your investment.

GreatFlorida Insurance covers a wide variety of boats including yachts, ski boats, pontoons, jet boats, sailboats, bass boats, commercial vessels also cover personal watercraft such as a Wave Runner.

The post Do I Need Boat Insurance? appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

11/9/2016

Looking for a cure to that election hangover? Sunshine, saltwater and fresh air is the remedy.

“The fall is a less crowded time to enjoy fishing before the winter travel season gets going,” suggests Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest boat insurance agency.

Extended fishing for red snapper

As we approach the middle of fall, your fishing days are not lost.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has extended red snapper season this November. Governor Rick Scott requested the season expand as a measure to offset the economic setbacks from Hurricane Hermine.

Consequently, the recreational red snapper season in Gulf state waters will remain open for additional days this month. November 11 and 12, Veterans Day holiday and November 25, 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving weekend.

No license, no problem

In addition, the FWC has made November 26 a salt water license-free fishing day. Making it easy to invite out of town family and guests to join you in angling adventures.

What’s biting?

“Fish are plentiful in the fall,” reminds Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

In fact, certain species of fish enjoy the cooler water temperatures. November is a great time to catch red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, Amberjack, flounder and much more. For a more comprehensive list, check out Fishing-Florida.com. They have a seasons and species a chart to discover what you can catch in the fall.

Manatees

Be sure to slow down! November is Manatee Awareness Month. Manatees begin to migrate to warmer waters and can be found in rivers, bays or coastal waters.

With this in mind, wearing polarized sunglasses can help boaters spot manatees. They tend to swim just below the water’s surface making them difficult to spot.

GreatFlorida Insurance can make sure you are fully prepared before you head out to trawl. We offer premium boat insurance at affordable prices. Contact a GreatFlorida Insurance agent to make sure you have proper boat insurance and adequate coverage for your equipment.

The post Take Advantage of Fishing this November appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

7/13/2016

“It isn’t often when Florida officials persuade fishermen and divers to get rid of fish,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Lionfish are having a detrimental impact on Florida’s native species and habitats. The lionfish population is at a rapid increase and ruining Florida’s underwater eco-system.

As a result, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) is encouraging divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to eliminate lionfish. There is no recreational or commercial bag limit as well as no size limit. They can be speared, caught with a hand- held net or hook and line.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, lionfish began showing up along the U.S. Coastline and Gulf of Mexico in the 1980’s. Experts believe they arrived by way of  domestic fish tank and aquarium dumps.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA) says they cause problems for many reasons. Lionfish have no known predators, a voracious appetite, they reproduce quickly and grow rapidly.

“Due to their venomous spines, care must be taken when handling lionfish,” reports Buck from GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.

They have up to 18 venomous spines and can sting after they are dead. NOAA reports the fish stings can cause extreme pain, swelling, respiratory distress and even paralysis.

Some Florida grocery stores want to help eradicate the species and prove their dedication to sustainability.  They are selling the invasive species in their seafood departments. Whole Foods Market is offering fresh lionfish in 26 of their Florida stores. At Publix Supermarkets, you can special order lionfish to be cleaned and filleted. While Wegmans, a grocery store in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, is also offering Florida caught lionfish.

Whole Foods explains, trained employees will remove the poisonous spines from the fish. They describe the fish as,“ white, buttery meat [that] lends itself to any number of different recipes. From ceviche to a simple pan sauté.”

According to the Sun Sentinel, “Asking Floridians to eat their way out of a potential environmental disaster has drawn praise from scientist and conservationist.

GreatFlorida Insurance shops all the major carriers in Florida to find the best boat insurance at the best rate. Contact us today.

 

 

The post Taking a Bite Out of Lionfish appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.

by GreatFlorida Insurance

4/28/2016

“Most boaters are concerned about the health of the ocean and want to learn more about how they can protect Florida waterways,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Ocean conservation group, Sailors for the Sea have produced a guide with suggestions on how to boat cleaner. Their eco-tips apply to boaters with small sailboats to those with large mega-yachts. Suggestions range from sustainable maintenance to efficient boat operation. Some of their recommendations are listed below.

Waste disposal and recycling-Plastic waste is one of the largest threats to our oceans and marine life. The world produces 300 billion pounds of plastic each year, 10 percent ends up in the ocean according to sustainability website, EverythingConnects.org. Some simple changes can help improve on healthy waters.

• Utilize reusable containers
• Remove product packing before you go board your boat.
• Never throw trash overboard.
• Encourage your marina to provide recycling facilities.

Spillproof Fueling – Filling up fuel tanks is one of the most common ways we unintentionally pollute our waters.

• Maintain your fuel lines and fuel tanks to avoid, cracks, leaks, corrosion or damage.
• Know the capacity of your fuel tanks or portable container.
• When fueling, turn off the engine, electronics and extinguish any open flame.
• Place an absorbent bib or collar around the fuel intake.
• Keep the nozzle in contact with the edge of the fill to prevent the build-up of static electricity.
• Fill your tank slowly and allow some room for expansion. Boat fuel tanks are not pressurized like car fuel tanks, so the automatic shut-off nozzle rarely works.

Reduce Fuel Usage – How you operate your vessel can significantly affect how much fuel you use. “Performing routine engine maintenance and repairs can prevent leaks preventing pollution and improve fuel efficiency,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

• Using trim tabs and power trim carefully prevents plowing and reduces drag
• Check your wake, a large wake indicates your boat is trying to climb the water’s surface and is using extra power and fuel.
• Look at your exhaust, a well-maintained diesel engine should produce virtually invisible exhaust.
• Black exhaust- the engine is overloaded
• White exhaust- you have an injector or valve timing problem
• Blue exhaust- oil is in the combustion chambers

Anchoring-Poor anchoring techniques can disturb or damage shellfish beds, coral reefs or sea grass habitats, while the proper skills can preserve aquatic habitats and wildlife.

• Use existing mooring buoys if available
• Anchor in deep water to avoid grounding your vessel in tide changes.
• Anchor in sand or mud to avoid vital ecosystems
• If anchoring ashore, avoid sand dunes and don’t tie your rope to a tree.
• When retrieving your anchor, motor slowly toward the anchor and retrieve the line when it is vertical
• An old mariners saying about the color of water can give you an indication of what is below
  • Brown, brown run aground
  • White, white you just might
  • Green, green nice and clean
  • Blue, blue cruise on through

No matter what type of vessel you own, GreatFlorida Insurance can provide you with the boat insurance you need. Fill out  free quote request online.

The post Green Boating Tips appeared first on The GreatFlorida Insurance Blog.